Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure

Taking part in the Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure offers a uniquely memorable way to explore Fairbanks, Alaska. Priced at $229 per person and lasting around 5 hours, this tour combines two iconic winter activities: ice fishing and northern lights viewing. The tour departs from the Chena Lake Recreation Area, where the quiet beauty of remote mountain locations ensures minimal light pollution—an ideal setting for spotting the elusive aurora borealis.

A highlight of this experience is the cozy heated fishing cabin, furnished with electric and wood stoves, where guests can snack on grilled fresh fish caught during the outing or enjoy reindeer sausage. The tour includes fishing gear, hot cocoa, snacks, and a local guide who helps you maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights and catching fish. While aurora sightings are not guaranteed, the combination of prime viewing locations and expert guidance makes this trip an excellent choice for those eager to experience Alaska’s winter wonderland.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $229 per person and lasts about 5 hours.
• Includes Essential Comforts: Warm up in a heated cozy cabin with snacks, hot cocoa, and freshly cooked fish.
• Activities: Ice fishing at Chena Lake Recreation Area and aurora borealis viewing in a remote setting away from city lights.
• Guidance and Gear: Expert guides provide fishing poles, bait, and help with photos of the Northern Lights.
• Booking: Popularity means most trips are booked about 35 days in advance, and fishing licenses are available for $15 cash at the start.
• Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Chena Lake Recreation Area: The Heart of the Adventure

The tour begins at the Chena Lake Recreation Area, a key spot for both fishing and northern lights views. As night falls, the guide leads you to ice fishing holes where you can try your luck catching king and silver salmon. The fishing spots are carefully chosen for their good activity and scenic surroundings. Despite the cold, the warm cabin provides a comfortable base, ensuring everyone stays cozy while waiting for the aurora to appear.

The fishing gear and bait are supplied, making it straightforward to get started. The guide is knowledgeable and helpful, often assisting with photography tips to capture the northern lights when they appear. Most trips find fish activity surprisingly lively overnight, with catches of multiple salmon common, and the cabin remains clean and spacious.

The Cozy Heated Cabin Experience

One of the most praised features is the deluxe fishing cabin, equipped with electric and wood stoves to keep everyone warm. Inside, you can enjoy hot cocoa and snacks such as reindeer sausage on buns or your own cooked fish. The space is described as very clean and spacious, providing a comfortable refuge from the cold weather.

Guests appreciate the ability to relax comfortably indoors, especially after some time outside trying to fish or waiting for the aurora borealis. The cabin is an integral part of the experience, making it feel less like an outdoor excursion and more like a cozy gathering with some of the best views of Alaska’s winter scenery.

The Quest to See the Northern Lights

While aurora borealis sightings are not guaranteed, the tour is designed to maximize your chances with its location and timing. The remote area away from city lights provides excellent visibility, and the guide will help you spot and photograph the stunning aurora dance across the night sky.

Recent seasons have seen breathtaking displays, with some guides noting that the auroras have been very active lately, including the last two months. The guides not only assist with finding the lights but also offer tips on capturing photos to preserve these fleeting moments.

Fishing Experience and Fish Preparation

The ice fishing component is often cited as a highlight. Many guests are surprised at how active and plentiful the fish are overnight. The salmon caught is seasoned and cooked on-site, providing a fresh, tasty meal just a short walk from the fishing holes.

The guide may cook the fish for guests if caught, and many reviews mention how good the tasting fish is. You also get to enjoy reindeer sausage cooked and served hot, adding a hearty touch to the cold night.

Guide Expertise and Friendliness

The guides leading this tour are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Several reviews highlight Cody and Mike for their enthusiasm and ability to keep the experience lively. They assist with fishing, photography, and ensure that everyone is well taken care of.

Cody, in particular, is praised for his fun attitude and for making sure guests have a great time. The guides also communicate fishing locations ahead of time, with updated directions sent 24 hours before the trip.

Logistics and Meeting Details

This small-group tour departs from the Island View Pavilion at Chena Lake Recreation Area in North Pole, Alaska. The group size is capped at 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Guests are responsible for purchasing their fishing license if needed, which can be done $15 cash from the guide at the start.

The tour includes use of fishing gear, snacks, and hot cocoa, but transportation to and from the location is not included. Most travelers find the meeting instructions straightforward, and the guides provide turn-by-turn directions and contact info to facilitate planning.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

The tour offers free cancellation, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. Since the experience is weather-dependent, poor conditions may lead to cancellation with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. The best weather windows tend to be in winter months, with clear skies ideal for aurora viewing.

Suitability and Recommendations

This adventure is well-suited for adventurers who enjoy outdoor winter activities and are comfortable in cold weather. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a combination of fishing and aurora viewing in remote, scenic settings. The group size, cozy cabin, and expert guides make it accessible for most most travelers, including families with kids of any age.

However, those who prefer guaranteed aurora sightings should keep in mind that nature’s display remains unpredictable. Booking well in advance is recommended due to high demand, especially during peak aurora season.

Aurora Borealis and Ice Fishing: A Unique Alaska Experience

This tour captures the essence of Alaska’s winter—combining fishing, hot drinks, and the spectacle of the northern lights in a single adventure. The warm cabin, friendly guides, and fresh fish cooked on-site create a memorable experience, whether or not the aurora makes an appearance.

The pricing reflects the value of the included gear, guidance, and overall experience, and most guests find that the scenic, peaceful environment and opportunity to catch fish are well worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the northern lights viewing guaranteed?
No, aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, but the remote location and expert guidance increase the chances of witnessing the lights.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes fishing gear, bait, snacks, hot cocoa, and use of the cozy cabin. Fishing licenses are purchased separately if needed, for $15 cash.

How long is the tour and where does it start?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and departs from the Island View Pavilion at Chena Lake Recreation Area in North Pole, Alaska.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is described as suitable for families with kids of all ages, especially since the guides keep the experience lively and engaging.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly specified, warm clothing suitable for outdoor winter conditions is advisable, as part of the experience involves outside time waiting for the aurora or fishing.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and cancellations are weather-dependent with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

This Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure from Fairbanks offers a practical, engaging way to experience Alaska’s winter wonders, combining fishing, hot drinks, and the dazzling northern lights in a comfortable, guided setting. It strikes a balance between adventure and comfort, making it an appealing choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable Arctic night.